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A Special Presentation by
Dr. Peter Coleman, Professor and Director, International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (ICCCR), Teachers College, Columbia University
Katharina Kugler, Doctoral student, International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (ICCCR), Teachers College, Columbia University
Theory and research on intractable conflict is still in its infancy, but important advances have occurred over the last decade (Coleman, 2004). One particularly promising approach to the study of intractability is through the lens of *dynamical systems theory (DST).* DST is oriented to the phenomenon of complex systems that evolve and change overtime, and thus is ideally suited to capture the complexity and volatile dynamics associated with protracted social conflict. Our theory development and research focuses on developing and testing new insights into the dynamics of fostering and sustaining constructive change in complex systems that evidence enduring patterns of destructive conflict, violence and oppression. The presentation will take you to our current findings.